On December 3, 2025 The El Paso VA, (CDCE) Center for Development and Civic Engagement held their yearly Volunteer Luncheon and Award Ceremony where they honor those that volunteer at the VA. This year they celebrated over 150 volunteers whose total time at the VA. totaled a combined 36,983 hours. The Lunch was held at the Underwood Golf complex on FT. Bliss. More than 60 volunteers showed up to have a wonderful lunch that included, brisket, Mac and cheese and cheese cake. Mr. Joe Ortiz VA’s volunteer of the year (with over 281 hours) and over 50,000 miles driven for the VA pick up and delivery service give a speech on what it means to be a volunteer. The VA intern director of the El Paso VA as well as the CDCE staff presented awards to all those who volunteered from 15 hours all the way to Alexander Arce with 10,518 hours. The community partners were also recognized for their help. The US Army provided a quartet to play at the Luncheon. The Hub master for ALP 407 received a 300 hour pin for volunteering 410 hours at the VA food distribution center held every Wednesday from 8 am to 9 am at the Main VA front parking lot. I arrive at 5 in the morning to set up the cones, guide new customers into the correct line to receive food, count out the amount of food each family should receive, Distribute the food, and guide the auto’s through the food line. below are pictures from this luncheon.